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It doesn’t matter if you’re cruising to the coffee shop or setting out to cross the country on two wheels, safety comes first, and the protection of your precious head is paramount. Everyone of similar head size can wear the same helmets as they are generally designed to be unisex. However, not all helmets are created equally.
Our list of the best helmets is all about comfort, visibility, and above all, safety. We selected solely full-face helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), since full-face lids provide the most protection in the event of a crash. There are other options available, which we detail in our buying guide.
It doesn’t matter if you’re cruising to the coffee shop or setting out to cross the country on two wheels, safety comes first, and the protection of your precious head is paramount. Everyone of similar head size can wear the same helmets as they are generally designed to be unisex. However, not all helmets are created equally.
Our list of the best helmets is all about comfort, visibility, and above all, safety. We selected solely full-face helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), since full-face lids provide the most protection in the event of a crash. There are other options available, which we detail in our buying guide.
Our Methodology
We took several factors into consideration when compiling our list of the best motorcycle helmets for women. First, we made sure to spotlight brands from well-known manufacturers with a reputation for producing high-quality motorcycle gear. We focused on full-face helmets that provide the most protection and are, at a minimum, DOT approved for safety. We avoided half helmets and open-face helmets, which don’t offer as much protection as full-face helmets. We made sure the helmets were comfortable and had enough ventilation to provide good air flow. Our list includes helmets in a wide range of prices to suit a variety of budgets. We also checked user feedback to see how these helmets perform in real-world conditions. For more information about our methodology, go here.
Best Motorcycle Helmet for Women Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Bell Qualifier Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Best Value
Scorpion Exo R320 Helmet
Premium Pick
Shoei RF-1200 Harmonic Helmet
Honorable Mention
Scorpion Exo R420 Helmet
Most Stylish
Icon Airflite Peacekeeper Rubatone Helmet
Most Aerodynamic
Shoei GT-Air II Helmet
Best for ADV Riders
Arai XD-4 Helmet
Best for High Speeds
AGV K3 SV Helmet
Best Helmet With Abundant Features
Schuberth C3 Pro Sestante Helmet
Best Choice of Colors
HJC CS-R3 Helmet
Our Verdict
Our pick for the overall best motorcycle helmet for women is the Bell Qualifier Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet because it is both safe and feature rich. For a more affordable option, the Scorpion EXO-R320 Helmet is a good choice.
What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Helmet for Women
There are several types of motorcycle helmets available on the market, including full-face, modular, and half helmets. We discuss the pros, cons, and differences between these helmets below, so you can make the right choice when looking for head protection while riding your bike. We also cover important features for consideration, such as size, design, and ventilation.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Choose the type of helmet that feels the most comfortable to you. While many riders let their bike style guide their helmet choice, you should always pick a helmet that will keep you safe and feel comfortable on your head. Old-school trends are slowly going away, and the safer full-face helmet is always the best choice.
Full Face
These helmets surround your entire head from the nape of the neck, over the ears, and around the chin. It’s one solid piece that you pull on and off over your head. They have a movable front visor that will lift to the top of the helmet and typically have vents in the front and top for airflow. These are the safest type of helmet on the market and come in a wide range of colors and artistic designs.
Modular
These helmets look like full-face helmets when they are on your head, but they have hinges for the front half of the helmet. This allows the entire front of the helmet to lift, leaving your face exposed. These are second in safety to the full-face helmet. They tend to come in solid colors and lack the stylistic designs that full-face helmets have.
Half Helmet
A half helmet is sometimes referred to as a skull cap, and they only cover the top half of the head. This leaves your face below your forehead exposed. There is only an idea of safety when you’re wearing these. We do not recommend half helmets.
Motorcycle Helmet for Women Key Features
Size
There is no standard size chart when it comes to motorcycle helmets, as each manufacturer creates and uses its own size chart. You’ll need to measure your head to determine the circumference in inches.
When buying your helmet, check to see how many shells the manufacturer makes. This is the outer layer of the helmet. Manufacturers will make a small number of outer shells and then create multiple sizes from a single shell size. This can result in a bobblehead feel with some helmets. It is imperative that you choose a snug fit for your helmet in order to protect your head properly.
Shape
Motorcycle helmets come in oval, round, and a combination shape. Most people have an oval-shaped head. Take a picture of the top of your head as this will let you determine the shape of your skull. Manufacturers are known for specializing in a particular shape, so focus your helmet-buying efforts on a manufacturer that creates helmets that match the shape of your head.
Design and Style
Helmet designs range from plain black to intricate, multicolored designs, and helmet manufacturers can carry many different styles. If you see a helmet you like, you can look for that manufacturer to find an appealing helmet of your own. Most people choose a helmet that’s different from their fellow riders in order to make a personal style statement.
Ventilation
Wear a helmet for any length of time and you’ll quickly realize that they can get very hot and stifling. Helmets with plenty of vents help prevent this. Most helmets have vents on the top, front, and back. High-quality helmets have channels throughout the interior to direct the air better and pull heat away from your head.
Pricing
Motorcycle helmets, like other types of motorcycle gear, are available in a wide range of prices, depending on your needs. Beginner and long-time riders alike require equipment that provides good protection in the event of a crash. You can find DOT-certified helmets for $100 to $150. These helmets may be fairly basic when it comes to added features and may be bulkier than higher-quality helmets, but they get the job done. Mid-range helmets cost a few hundred dollars, and these helmets tend to be lighter weight, safer, and more streamlined than cheaper options. Those who ride fast and for longer periods of time and who care most about their safety should invest in a top-quality helmet. These helmets start around $500 and provide a lot more features and more aerodynamic styling as well as safer designs and construction.
Tips and Tricks
As with something you do for decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and motorcycle helmets for women. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- If you care about your personal safety, choose a premium helmet. They also are generally more comfortable and provide better aerodynamics than less-expensive options.
- Consider the shape of your head before purchasing a helmet. Some brands take the shapes into consideration when designing their products: long oval, intermediate oval, or round oval.
- If you damage or drop your helmet, you should replace it. Also, buy a new helmet every five years for the best crash protection.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: What is the safest helmet for motorcycles?
A: A full-face helmet that fits correctly is the safest type you can wear. Solid construction makes it effective at absorbing impacts from any angle. The full-face design means your entire head is protected.
Q: Are motorcycle helmets unisex?
A: Yes, they are. You can buy and wear any helmet that fits your head snugly and is the type and style you like. Wear the helmet that appeals to you so that you want to wear it.
Q: How do I get the right-fitting motorcycle helmet?
A: Use a tape measure around your forehead to get the proper measurements. Helmets should be pretty snug but not painful. If it moves when you shake your head, it’s too big.